Boomerang Employees

Decoding the Phenomenon: Understanding Boomerang Employees

Exploring Boomerang Employees

Unveiling the Concept:
A boomerang employee refers to an individual who, after leaving a company for personal or professional reasons, later returns to the same organization as a rehired employee.

Longevity in the Workplace:
The average employee tenure has stagnated at approximately five years over the last four decades. This duration, coupled with a person’s 40 working years, creates opportunities for individuals to work for a company, explore other avenues, and eventually return to their former workplace.

Drivers Behind the Return

Employee Flexibility:
In a shifting employment landscape, today’s workers seek flexibility to pursue various options without severing past employment connections. A 2022 survey by UKG revealed that 62% of those who left jobs during the pandemic—more than 15 million individuals—considered their previous job superior to their current one. Rehiring boomerang employees emerges as a mutually beneficial arrangement, leveraging experienced talent and established relationships.

Motivations for Temporary Departures:

1. Career Advancement or Skill Development: Seeking new skills, higher pay, or career progression.
2. Exploration and Passion Pursuit: Venturing into different industries or following personal passions.
3. Life Events: Addressing major life events such as a spouse’s relocation, childcare responsibilities, or health concerns.
4. Seasonal Work: Engaging in seasonal employment, with plans to return in subsequent years.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Advantages of Boomerang Employees:

1. Streamlined Onboarding: Reduced time and cost associated with onboarding.
2. Cultural Alignment: High probability of fitting into the existing company culture.
3. Familiarity and Experience: Knowledge of job duties, expectations, and the organizational landscape.
4. Diverse Contributions: Bringing back new skills, experiences, connections, viewpoints, and potential clients.
5. Established Relationships: Building on an existing employer-employee relationship fosters loyalty and increased retention.

Challenges of Boomerang Employees:

1. Lingering Tensions: Potential for reintroducing past conflicts if the departure was not amicable.
2. Acclimation Period: Adjustment challenges, especially if there have been changes in management, policies, or company culture.
3. Suitability for the Role: Past performance may not necessarily align with the requirements of the new position.

Crafting the Boomerang Employee Interview

Tailored Interview Approach:
Conducting an interview with a boomerang employee necessitates specific considerations and questions to ensure an unbiased assessment. Managers should avoid selecting the “easy” option and instead focus on evaluating changes in the employee’s situation and what they bring to the current table.

Four Interview Questions for Boomerang Employees:

1. What have you been doing since you left the company?
2. How have you increased your skill set and experience during your absence?
3. Are there any unresolved issues with the company or former coworkers that may impact your return?
4. Why do you wish to come back at this particular time?

In conclusion, understanding the dynamics of boomerang employees is crucial for organizations seeking to capitalize on the benefits while mitigating potential challenges. Balancing the unique perspectives and experiences they bring with an objective evaluation ensures a harmonious reintegration into the workforce.